Abstract

Introduction: Exposure to coffee dust is associated with respiratory symptoms among workers in secondary coffee processing in industrialized countries, but only three studies have been done in primary coffee factories and none of these studies were in Tanzania.

Aim: This study was carried out to examine whether there is a relationship between total dust exposure and respiratory health effects among workers in Tanzanian primary coffee processing factories.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in two primary coffee factories and in a beverage factory which served as control. Total dust samples were collected throughout the working shift from the breathing zone of the workers in the coffee factory (n = 44) and the control factory (n = 19). Respiratory symptoms were assessed by standardized ATS questionnaire. Statistical differences were tested by Independent t test and Chi Square. Logistic regression analyses were performed, adjusting for age and smoking.